Is the U.S. slipping into 'Competitive Authoritarianism?'
NPR • • general
Key Points:
- Some experts argue that the United States is currently operating under a system called "competitive authoritarianism," where democratic rules exist but the ruling party manipulates the system to maintain power.
- The term was coined in 2002 by Harvard professor Steven Levitsky and University of Toronto professor Lucan Way to describe countries like Serbia, Kenya, and Peru, and was never initially intended to apply to the U.S.
- Levitsky cites examples such as former President Trump's pardoning of January 6 Capitol riot participants and attacks on critics and media as evidence of competitive authoritarian tactics.
- Despite these concerns, some scholars maintain that the U.S. remains a democracy, highlighting ongoing free speech, protests, and the survival of critical media figures.
- The concept of competitive authoritarianism is gaining attention globally, with increased public interest and media coverage since Trump's presidency, though it does not guarantee permanent authoritarian rule.